Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe

When you’re craving a warm, hearty meal that feels like a cozy hug, there’s nothing quite like a pot roast. This Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe takes all the rich, savory flavors of traditional pot roast and speeds up the cooking process, thanks to the magic of pressure cooking. In just a fraction of the time it takes to slow-cook a roast, you’ll have melt-in-your-mouth beef, tender vegetables, and a rich gravy—all in one pot.

Perfect for busy weeknights or a Sunday dinner, this recipe is easy to follow, and the result is a delicious, flavorful roast that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Read on for step-by-step instructions, variations, and helpful tips to make the best pot roast in your Instant Pot!

this Recipe

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What is Instant Pot Pot Roast?

Instant Pot Pot Roast is a quicker, pressure-cooked version of the traditional slow-cooked dish. In this recipe, a large cut of beef (typically chuck roast) is seared, seasoned, and pressure-cooked until it’s fork-tender. The roast is cooked alongside vegetables like carrots and potatoes in a flavorful broth, and the pressure cooking process makes everything incredibly tender in a fraction of the time compared to oven roasting or slow cooking.

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Ingredients List for Instant Pot Pot Roast

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tender, flavorful pot roast:

• 3-4 pounds chuck roast (well-marbled for the best flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing the roast)
• 1 large onion (cut into thick slices)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 large carrots (cut into large chunks)
• 1 pound baby potatoes (or halved medium potatoes)
• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for extra depth of flavor)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, adds richness to the gravy)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for a slight tang)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening the gravy, optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Sliced mushrooms for added flavor and texture
• Celery stalks for more vegetables
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Substitutions and Variations

This Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe is flexible and can be customized based on your preferences and dietary needs:

• Meat: Chuck roast is the best choice because of its marbling, but you can also use brisket or bottom round. For a leaner option, use a sirloin roast, though it may not be as tender.
• Vegetables: You can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a touch of sweetness, or add parsnips, turnips, or celery root for a different flavor. Green beans can also be added during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Herbs: Use rosemary, oregano, or sage in addition to or instead of thyme to change up the flavor profile. Fresh herbs work best, but dried herbs are convenient and flavorful as well.
• Liquid: Swap out some of the beef broth with red wine for added depth, or use a splash of soy sauce for an umami boost. You can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Roast

Before you start, take the chuck roast out of the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This ensures even cooking. Pat the roast dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).

2. Sear the Beef

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and let it heat up. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the chuck roast on all sides until it’s browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step helps to lock in the flavors and create a delicious crust. Once browned, remove the roast and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic

With the Instant Pot still on Sauté mode, add the sliced onions and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally. Add the tomato paste (if using) and stir for another minute.

4. Deglaze the Pot

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits (also known as “fond”). These bits add incredible flavor to the final dish. Add the balsamic vinegar if using, along with the thyme and bay leaves.

5. Pressure Cook the Roast

Return the seared roast to the Instant Pot, nestling it in the liquid. Seal the lid, making sure the valve is set to Sealing. Set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook on high for 60-70 minutes (the cooking time depends on the size of your roast—about 20 minutes per pound). Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure naturally release for about 10-15 minutes before carefully moving the valve to Venting for a quick release of any remaining pressure.

6. Add the Vegetables

After the pressure has been released, open the lid and add the carrots and potatoes around the roast. Close the lid again and set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook on high for an additional 5-10 minutes (depending on the size of your vegetables). Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release by moving the valve to Venting.

7. Thicken the Gravy (Optional)

Remove the roast and vegetables from the Instant Pot and set them aside on a serving platter. If you prefer a thicker gravy, set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and bring the liquid to a simmer. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering liquid, whisking constantly until the gravy thickens. Turn off the Instant Pot once the gravy reaches your desired consistency.

8. Slice and Serve

Slice or shred the pot roast and serve with the vegetables. Drizzle the gravy over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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How to Cook Instant Pot Pot Roast: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Searing the Roast

Searing the roast before pressure cooking adds a ton of flavor and helps to create a rich, caramelized crust. Be sure to give each side a good 4-5 minutes to develop that golden-brown color.

Step 2: Pressure Cooking the Meat

The key to tender pot roast is allowing enough time for the pressure cooker to do its work. A large chuck roast will typically need about 60-70 minutes of pressure cooking, plus 10-15 minutes of natural pressure release.

Step 3: Adding the Vegetables

To avoid mushy vegetables, add them in the last stage of cooking. They only need 5-10 minutes of pressure cooking to become tender. This ensures your potatoes and carrots hold their shape and texture while still being perfectly cooked.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Searing the Meat: Skipping the searing step can lead to a less flavorful roast. Searing creates a delicious crust and enhances the flavor of the finished dish.
2. Overcooking the Vegetables: Add the vegetables in the final stage of cooking to avoid them becoming too soft or mushy.
3. Releasing the Pressure Too Soon: Always allow for a natural pressure release after the initial cooking time for the roast. This helps the meat retain its moisture and tenderness.
4. Not Deglazing the Pot: Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the Instant Pot when deglazing with broth. These bits add a ton of flavor to the final dish.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Instant Pot Pot Roast is a comforting, hearty dish that doesn’t need much in terms of presentation. However, here are some tips to make it extra special:

How to Serve Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Side Dishes: Serve the pot roast with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttered noodles to soak up the gravy. A side salad or roasted vegetables also pair well with the richness of the dish.
• Garnishes: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the roast and vegetables for a burst of color and added flavor. A drizzle of the rich gravy over everything completes the presentation.

Presentation Ideas for Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Rustic Platter: Serve the roast and vegetables on a large wooden board or rustic platter, with the gravy served in a small bowl on the side. This creates a beautiful family-style presentation.
• Slice or Shred: Slice the roast into thick, hearty portions for an elegant presentation, or shred it for a more rustic, fall-apart texture.

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Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe Tips

• Use a Well-Marbled Cut: A well-marbled chuck roast is ideal for pot roast, as the fat helps keep the meat tender and flavorful. If using a leaner cut, consider adding a bit more broth or fat to prevent it from drying out.
• **Flavor Boost

**: For a deeper flavor, add a splash of red wine when deglazing the pot, or stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or soy sauce for an extra umami kick.

• Rest the Meat: After pressure cooking, allow the roast to rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding. This helps the meat retain its juices.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a frozen roast for this recipe?

Yes, you can cook a frozen roast in the Instant Pot, but you’ll need to add extra cooking time. Cook the frozen roast for 90-100 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural release. Skip the searing step when using a frozen roast.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover pot roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra broth to keep the meat moist.

Can I freeze pot roast?

Yes! You can freeze cooked pot roast in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it up in a skillet or microwave.

How can I make the gravy gluten-free?

Instead of using cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or a gluten-free thickener to thicken the gravy.

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Conclusion

This Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe is the perfect combination of tender, flavorful meat and hearty vegetables, all cooked together in a rich, savory broth. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and comforting flavors. With the Instant Pot, you can achieve the perfect pot roast in a fraction of the time it would normally take, making it an easy, delicious meal that you can enjoy any night of the week. So grab your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food!

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